Cardio Vital: preventive cardiology check

The examination consists of:

Echocardiogram: an ultrasound of your heart to examine the heart muscle and valves.
ECG (heart film): to measure how your heart beats and if there are any abnormalities.
Exercise test (bicycle test): to see how your heart responds to exertion.
Laboratory tests: blood and urine tests to check your overall health.

With the Cardio Vital examination, you can map your heart health comprehensively and work preventively towards a healthier life.

Note: if you currently have heart complaints or have been under the care of a cardiologist in the past 12 months, you cannot undergo preventive examinations at Prescan. This is because a preventive health check is not intended for people with existing complaints or ongoing treatments. In such cases, you should first contact your general practitioner or cardiologist for further examination and advice. If in doubt or if you have questions, you can always contact us at 074 255 9 255.

Cardio Vital is particularly suitable for people with a possible family history and those with risk factors.
You will receive the results from our radiologist on the same day.
The MRI images are always available in the secure MyPrescan environment and can be easily downloaded and shared.

Specifications Cardio Vital

Cardiology

directions_bike Exercise ECG
procedure Ultrasound of the heart
ecg ecg
vaccines Laboratory

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An exercise test on a bike is an important part of a body check to assess the health of your heart. During this test, you cycle on an exercise bike while your heart rate and breathing are measured. The purpose of the test is to see how well your heart responds to physical exertion.

The test starts gently and gradually becomes more intense, making your heart work harder. You may start breathing faster and your heart will beat more quickly. This is normal and helps the doctor determine whether your heart and blood vessels are functioning properly or if there may be problems with blood flow to your heart.

This test can detect problems early, such as narrowed blood vessels, which you might not yet notice in daily life. If anything unusual happens during the test, the cardiologist will see it immediately and further steps can be taken.

An exercise test is a safe and effective way to gain insight into your heart health, especially as part of a comprehensive body check. It helps you to identify potential risks early and take timely action.

Note: If you currently have heart complaints or have been under the care of a cardiologist in the past 12 months, you cannot undergo preventive examinations at Prescan. A preventive health check is not intended for people with existing complaints or ongoing treatments. In that case, you should first contact your general practitioner or cardiologist for further examination and advice. If in doubt or if you have questions, you can always contact us at 074 255 9 255.

It is possible that an examination may lead to incidental findings. Before the examination, Prescan will ask whether you wish to be informed about incidental findings for which monitoring or treatment is possible, and incidental findings concerning conditions that may affect your offspring. Prescan is not permitted to inform you about incidental findings for which no monitoring or treatment is possible (see NEN 8051 standard for more information).

For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

Brochure from KNMG

RIVM Health Testing website

Pros and cons

Pros:

Early detection of heart problems
Insight into the condition of your heart
Safe examination, as it is performed under the supervision of a cardiologist
Preventive effect: helps you improve your lifestyle

Cons:

Not suitable for people with existing heart complaints.
Limited scope: Only shows results during exertion.
Fatiguing: Can be demanding for people with low fitness levels.
A preventive examination can sometimes detect benign heart abnormalities that pose no risk. This may cause unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if follow-up examinations are required to rule out something serious.
In some cases, harmless abnormalities may mistakenly be seen as concerning, which can lead to unnecessary follow-up examinations. This can cause stress, even if it later turns out there is no problem. Prescan will never make a diagnosis or provide treatment in such cases, but will refer you to your general practitioner for further examination.

Alternatives:

Possible alternatives to a preventative health check with an ECG include:

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It shows how well your heart is pumping and whether the heart valves are functioning properly, useful for early detection of issues.
ECG (electrocardiogram): This measures the heart’s electrical activity at rest, helping to detect irregular heart rhythms.
MRI of the heart: This scan provides detailed images of the heart. It can help detect problems such as scar tissue or abnormalities in the heart muscle, useful for preventative checks.
CT scan of the heart: This scan looks at the blood vessels around the heart, helping to detect narrowing or blockages. This is important for early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Note: Prescan does not offer MRI or CT scans of the heart, as these tests do not fall under preventative care. They are part of regular healthcare and are performed for individuals with existing conditions or known risk factors. For these tests, it is best to contact your GP or cardiologist.

Risks

A risk during a fitness test is that the physical exertion might be too intense, especially for individuals with underlying heart conditions or poor fitness. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, or in rare cases, arrhythmias during the test. To minimise this risk, the test is always conducted under medical supervision, with continuous monitoring of your heart and breathing. If any signs of problems arise, the test is stopped immediately.

Technical description

Exercise bike equipment

At Prescan, we use ergometer systems to perform an exercise test, also known as a bike test or exercise ECG. These systems are designed to monitor heart function during physical exertion and provide real-time displays of heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG data. The exercise tests are carried out on standardized medical bicycles, which offer controlled and precise increases in resistance, ensuring that the workload rises gradually and the heart is maximally stressed without unnecessary risks.

Exercise test protocol

The protocol for the exercise test has been developed in consultation with cardiologists for preventive medical examinations. The test begins with a resting ECG to establish baseline values, followed by a phase of gradual exertion. The resistance on the bike is increased step by step, with ECG readings, heart rate, and blood pressure closely monitored at various intervals. During the test, our medical professionals continuously monitor your condition to ensure safety. The test ends once the maximum heart rate or exertion limit is reached, or if irregularities are observed. If necessary, the cardiologist may decide to stop the test earlier.

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A preventative heart echo (echocardiogram) is a valuable examination for assessing your heart's health, even if you have no symptoms. During an echo, a doctor uses sound waves to observe how well your heart pumps blood throughout your body. This provides insight into your heart's functioning and whether everything is working as it should.

It can also detect issues with the heart valves, such as a leaky or narrowed valve, which can affect how efficiently your heart functions. Early detection of these issues can help prevent further complications. In addition to the echo, an ECG (electrocardiogram) may be performed to measure your heart rhythm and detect possible arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

If the echo or ECG indicates potential issues with the blood vessels around your heart, such as narrowed coronary arteries, further tests like a CT scan or angiogram might be necessary. However, at Prescan, a cardiologist will not request a CT scan, as this is not considered a preventative test. Instead, you will be referred to your GP or a specialist for further examination.

An echo can also reveal damage to the heart muscle, such as from a previous heart attack, or detect fluid buildup around the heart, which may indicate pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).

In summary, a preventative heart echo offers a comprehensive view of your heart’s health and helps identify potential problems early. If further testing is required, Prescan will ensure you are referred to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Note: If you currently have heart-related symptoms or have been under the care of a cardiologist in the past 12 months, you cannot undergo preventative examinations with Prescan. Preventative health checks are not intended for individuals with existing conditions or ongoing treatments. In such cases, you should contact your GP or cardiologist for further investigation and advice. If you are unsure or have any questions, feel free to contact us on 074 255 9 255.

For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

Brochure from KNMG

RIVM Health Testing website

Pros and cons

Pros:

Early detection of heart problems.
Insight into the condition of your heart.
Safe procedure, conducted under the supervision of a cardiologist.
Preventative benefits: helps you improve your lifestyle.

Cons:

Not suitable for individuals with existing heart conditions.
Limited scope: additional tests like a CT scan are required for evaluating blood vessels, such as coronary arteries, which Prescan is not authorised to perform.
A preventative check-up may sometimes detect harmless heart irregularities that do not pose any risk, potentially causing unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if further tests are needed to rule out more serious conditions.
In some cases, benign irregularities might be mistakenly perceived as concerning, leading to unnecessary follow-up tests, which can cause stress even if there is no actual problem. Prescan will never diagnose or treat conditions themselves but will refer you to your GP for further investigation.

Alternatives:

Possible alternatives to a preventative health check with echocardiography include:

ECG: An ECG, or heart film, measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test gives insight into how your heart beats and whether there are any irregularities in rhythm or heart rate, such as arrhythmias or issues with blood flow to the heart.
Stress test (bicycle test): During this test, your heart activity is measured while cycling. It helps assess how your heart responds to physical activity and can detect problems like narrowed blood vessels at an early stage.
Cardiac MRI: This scan provides detailed images of your heart and can help detect issues such as scarring or abnormalities in the heart muscle, useful for preventative checks.
CT scan of the heart: This scan examines the blood vessels around the heart and helps detect narrowing or blockages, which are crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases at an early stage.

Note: Prescan does not offer MRI or CT scans of the heart, as these are not classified as preventative care. They belong within regular medical care and are performed on individuals with known symptoms or risk factors. For these tests, it is best to contact your GP or cardiologist.

Risks:

An echocardiogram is a safe test with no associated risks. Since it uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is harmless to the body. The test is painless, and no needles or invasive instruments are used.
The only minor discomforts may include feeling cold gel on your skin or slight pressure from the transducer (the device that produces the echo). There are no known risks or complications linked to a heart echo.

Technical Description

Echocardiography Equipment

At Prescan, we use the latest generation of echocardiography systems to conduct heart exams. An echocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that utilises sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart and surrounding structures. Our echocardiography equipment provides detailed images of the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow, allowing early detection of any structural abnormalities or functional disorders in the heart.

Echocardiography Protocol

The echocardiography protocol at Prescan is developed in collaboration with cardiologists to ensure a thorough assessment of heart structure and function. During the test, a transducer is placed on the chest, emitting sound waves and capturing the reflected signals to form images of the heart. The cardiologist or echo technician may take images from various angles to obtain a comprehensive view of the heart. Standard measurements include assessing the size and function of the heart chambers, the thickness of the heart muscle, the functioning of the heart valves, and the speed and direction of blood flow.

While a standard echocardiography protocol is followed, the cardiologist may take additional images or adjust the test based on the client's individual condition, depending on findings during the exam.

Details

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Technical description

Provides Insight Into

An ECG, also known as an electrocardiogram or heart tracing, measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test provides insight into how your heart beats and whether there are any abnormalities in heart rhythm or rate. It can reveal conditions such as an irregular heartbeat (like arrhythmias), a heart rate that is too fast or too slow, or problems with blood flow to the heart.

The ECG helps the cardiologist determine whether your heart is healthy or if there may be issues such as a blockage in the blood vessels or damage to the heart muscle. This test gives a comprehensive view of the overall functioning of your heart, allowing for timely intervention if anything is wrong.

Note: If you currently have heart-related symptoms or have been under the care of a cardiologist within the last 12 months, you cannot undergo preventative examinations with Prescan. A preventative health check is not intended for individuals with existing conditions or ongoing treatments. In such cases, you should contact your GP or cardiologist for further investigation and advice. If you are uncertain or have any questions, feel free to contact us on 074 255 9 255.

For more information about preventative medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

KNMG

RIVM

Pros and cons

Pros

An ECG is simple and painless, with no needles or invasive procedures.
The test takes only a few minutes, and results are available quickly.
It can quickly identify abnormalities in heart rhythm.
Helps detect heart problems such as damage or blockages.
The test is safe and can be repeated without risk.

Cons:

It only measures the heart's electrical activity at that moment.
Provides no information about the heart’s structural health or exertion-related issues.
A preventative test may sometimes detect benign heart abnormalities that pose no risk. This can lead to unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if follow-up tests are needed to rule out serious issues.
In some cases, harmless abnormalities may mistakenly be seen as concerning, resulting in unnecessary follow-up tests. This can cause stress, even if it later proves that there is no issue. Prescan will not make a diagnosis or offer treatment in such cases but will refer you to your GP for further investigation.

Alternatives:

Possible alternatives to a preventative health check with an ECG include: Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It shows how well your heart pumps and whether the heart valves are functioning properly, useful for early detection of problems. Exercise test (bike test): During cycling, your heart activity is measured. This helps assess how your heart responds to exertion and can detect early issues such as narrowed blood vessels. MRI of the heart: This scan provides detailed images of the heart. It can help detect problems such as scar tissue or abnormalities in the heart muscle, useful for preventative checks. CT scan of the heart: This scan examines the blood vessels around the heart, helping to detect narrowing or blockages. This is important for early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Risks

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is generally a safe procedure, but there are a few minimal risks: Skin irritation: The electrodes placed on the skin can cause slight irritation or redness, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Discomfort: Some people may experience mild discomfort from the adhesive pads or when removing them after the test. * Incorrect results: In rare cases, an ECG may produce inaccurate results, leading to unnecessary concerns or further tests.

Technical Description

ECG Equipment

At Prescan, we use electrocardiogram (ECG) systems to accurately measure the heart's electrical activity. The ECG systems we utilise are 12-lead devices, providing a comprehensive view of heart activity from multiple angles. These systems are certified and comply with international standards for medical diagnostic equipment.

ECG Protocol

The ECG protocol at Prescan is specifically tailored for preventative medical examinations and has been developed in consultation with cardiologists. During the ECG, electrodes are placed at specific points on the chest and limbs, which then record the heart's electrical signals. These signals provide insights into heart rate, rhythm, and the electrical conduction through the heart.

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Point-of-Care (POC) and Urine Test

At Cardio Vitaal, we perform various tests to obtain a clear picture of your cardiovascular health. Below you will find a brief explanation of the parameters that are tested.

Blood Test (POC Test)

Glucose – Measures your blood sugar level and provides an indication of diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism.
Total Cholesterol – A measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, important for heart health.
Triglycerides – Fat-like substances in the blood that play a role in cardiovascular disease.
HDL Cholesterol – The “good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
LDL Cholesterol – The “bad” cholesterol that can contribute to atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio – The ratio between total cholesterol and HDL, an indicator of cardiovascular disease.
Non-HDL – A measure of all harmful cholesterol particles combined.
Creatinine – Provides an indication of kidney function.
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) – A calculation of kidney function based on creatinine.

Urine Test

Urine glucose – Checks for sugar in the urine, which may indicate diabetes.
Urine protein – The presence of protein may indicate kidney problems or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Urine nitrite – An indicator of a possible urinary tract infection caused by certain bacteria.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Early detection: Helps identify issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol at an early stage, even before symptoms appear.
Health monitoring: Provides a clear overview of your general health and helps track changes over time.
Prevention: By identifying abnormalities early, health problems can be prevented or reduced through lifestyle adjustments.
Lifestyle advice: The results enable you to receive personalized advice on how to improve your health.
Blood sampling is safe and can be repeated without risk.

Cons:

Unnecessary concern: Minor abnormalities may cause worry, even if they do not require immediate treatment.
False-positive results: The test may indicate a problem when there is actually nothing wrong, which can lead to additional stress and follow-up examinations.
False-negative results: Sometimes issues are missed, which can create a false sense of security.
Invasive: It requires a blood sample, which some people may find uncomfortable or stressful.

Alternatives

None

Risks

Temporary pain or discomfort at the site of the blood draw.
Bruising or slight swelling at the puncture site.
In some cases, more than usual bleeding may occur, especially in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners

Technical Description

Laboratory Protocol

The laboratory tests at Prescan are performed according to a standardized protocol. Blood sampling is carried out intravenously, meaning that blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The collected blood is captured in a tube containing an anticoagulant (such as EDTA). This process is performed by experienced medical assistants, who ensure that blood collection is safe, hygienic, and as comfortable as possible.

The parameters assessed during the laboratory testing are:

Glucose
Total Cholesterol
Triglycerides
HDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
Cholesterol/HDL ratio
Non-HDL
Creatinine
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)
Urine glucose
Urine protein
Urine nitrite

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Cardio Vital

What is examined at Cardio Vitaal?

Specifications Cardio Vital

Cardiology

Provides insight into

Pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

Alternatives:

Risks

Technical description

Exercise bike equipment

Exercise test protocol

Provides Insight Into

Pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

Alternatives:

Risks:

Technical Description

Echocardiography Equipment

Echocardiography Protocol

Provides Insight Into

Pros and cons

Pros

Cons:

Alternatives:

Risks

Technical Description

ECG Equipment

ECG Protocol

Point-of-Care (POC) and Urine Test

Blood Test (POC Test)

Urine Test

Pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

Alternatives

Risks

Technical Description

Laboratory Protocol

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